SAINT LEO, Fla. - The road woes continued for the Embry-Riddle men's basketball team on Wednesday night as the Eagles fell to Saint Leo, 92-85. ERAU (13-4, 5-4 SSC) dropped its third straight road contest as the Lions (11-5, 4-4 SSC) hit a season-high 12 three-pointers while forcing the Eagles in a season-worst 20 turnovers in the win.
The Lions improved to 5-0 all-time at home against ERAU, despite the Eagles shooting it well from the field overall at 52 percent (34-for-65). One of the main storylines of the night was foul trouble for the Eagles. The visitors were whistled for a season-high 28 fouls, leading to 39 free throw for the home team.
The Eagles got in a hole early with the home team jumping out to an 11-4 lead to start the game. With the Lions up 16-10 at the 12:42 mark, they went on a 12-0 run in three minutes, four straight treys doing the damage.
Saint Leo kept the Eagles at arm's length through the rest of the first half, going up by as many as 23 and taking a 19-point cushion into the break at 48-29.
The Eagles and Lions played evenly for most of the second half, but starting around the five-minute mark, the Blue and Gold started their comeback attempt. Saint Leo led 78-59 before the Eagles went on a 14-2 run, most of the points coming from
Elijah Jenkins as the junior scored eight of the Eagles' 14 over the span. The run cut the SLU lead to seven at 80-73 with two minutes to play.
Saint Leo stepped to the free throw line and was able to hold off the Eagle charge over the last few minutes, despite ERAU making things interesting with the three ball, coming within five points on two occasions in the final minute.
Luka Majstorovic registered a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Jenkins had 14 points with five boards and
Dru Nickson went for 17 points.
Romeo Crouch was the only other Eagle in double-figures with 13 points.
ERAU won't have much time to rest as the Eagles head to Ft. Lauderdale to take on Nova Southeastern on Saturday, Jan. 18 with tip set for 4 p.m.